13 June 2023 , 07:24
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Queen Camilla left guests of a royal outing 'feeling awkward' after a break in protocol, an expert has said.
Along with King Charles, she met with authors, actors and lovers of literature at a private reception for the Reading Room Literary Festival over the weekend.
The event at Hampton Court Palace featured stars including Derek Jacobi, Richard E Grant, Dame Judi Dench, Gyles Brandreth and Dame Joanna Lumley.
The Queen was initially delayed due to bad weather, but was later spotted greeting three of her friends who all bowed and curtseyed.
However, Camilla swiftly paused their actions when she appeared to quickly kiss them on the cheek.
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Body language expert Judi James has now analysed the Queen's actions, and noted that there seemed to be some "awkwardness" over the rules of etiquette.
Queen Camilla arriving to attend a reception for the inaugural Queen's Reading Room Literary Festival (Getty Images)She told Express.co.uk: "Greeting rituals, especially royal ones, need an element of etiquette rules about them to avoid this kind of awkwardness.
"Presumably these actor/performer friends of Camilla have offered support and warmth in the past and she seems keen to keep relations at that same level.
"But now she is Queen there needs to be a proper decision about whether the rituals get an upgrade or not."
The behavioural expert believes that Camilla wants to keep her exchanges with friends the same as before she became Queen.
She said: "Camilla’s body language here seems to suggest she would prefer no upgrading with her friends as she doesn’t seem to offer scope for the kind of bobbing curtseys or head-bows that are being performed.
"She also seems to want to do the kind of ‘closeness grading’ rituals she might have done before she became Queen, where friends get the informal cheek kiss and other people get a handshake.
"This is not really an option for a Queen though, as it leaves guests or hosts feeling awkward and it also seems to alienate anyone not in the 'inner circle'."
She also pointed out one particularly "chaotic" moment, which appeared to leave some awkwardness.
The Queen was initially delayed due to bad weather (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Judi continued: "Camilla, as Queen, should be using announcement gestures to show clearly what her preferred intention is, plus some prior notes to anyone she now plans to meet, so they can be ready to reciprocate.
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"The first greeting here is smooth as the host bobs his head as soon as he sees her and Camilla offers her hand for a shake. After that though it is chaotic.
"The second host offers her hand in a shake but by then Camilla has her bag in that hand and instead extends her left hand in a ‘cheek-kiss’ ritual.
"As she approaches Judi Dench this mix of desires to be both Queen but also a friend causes more confusion as her hand is raised for a cheek kiss and she is already talking to Judi, who then has to bob in a curtsey before putting both hands up for a cheek kiss.
"Gyles Brandreth throws more complications into the mix by going to kiss Camilla’s left cheek first, after which the pair hold hands to suggest close friendship.
"Does Judi Dench ask Brandreth about a ‘high five’ after Camilla has moved on? If she does it could be a reference to the confusing royal protocol."
During the event on Sunday, Dame Joanna performed The Listeners by Walter de la Mare while Grant read Lewis Carroll's All In The Golden Afternoon, the preface poem to Alice In Wonderland.
King Charles greeting locals during a visit to the Railway and the Town (Getty Images)The two then shared a reading of The Lady Of Shalott by Alfred Tennyson before Grant finished with a rendition of William Shakespeare's Sonnet 18.
Speaking about the importance of reading, Grant said: "Anything that encourages people to read and not just read graphic novels, I think is worthwhile."
Speaking about his own reading interests, he said Alice In Wonderland "has been my favourite book since I was seven and I've read it every year religiously ever since".
Brandreth said: "It's wonderful to have the King and a Queen whose passion for the arts is totally authentic."
He revealed he had shared a joke with Charles about his jumper, which bore the insignia of the Tudor Rose.
King Charles meeting with guests during the reception (Getty Images)He said: "I was checking with him whether it was 1603 that Shakespeare came here to perform with the King's Men. He said 'if you say it's 1603 we'll settle it at that'."
Speaking of the importance of the occasion, actor and comedian Ben Elton said: "It's deeply significant that the King and Queen are focusing on literature.
"I can't think of a better thing to be focusing on than the power of words and the power of language."
Author Kate Mosse said: "Her Majesty is such a passionate supporter of reading and of women."
Book lover Camilla launched her Reading Room as an Instagram book club in 2021 to inspire readers during lockdown.
It was relaunched as a charity in February to work on advancing education by promoting the appreciation of literature among adults and children.
The festival is a co-production between The Queen's Reading Room and Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for Hampton Court Palace.
Proceeds go towards the work of both charities.